We moved from the Palo Alto California area in 1991 to a 60 acre parcel about 5 miles east of Springfield that included a 350 sq ft cottage (1920's vintage). We lived in the cottage for about 18 months while designing and building a house. No kids. Both my wife and I were able to commute (Colorado and California) and telecommute for our jobs. We planted blueberries as a commercial crop on 30 acres (~42,000 bushes). We are both semi-retired now.
Eugene and Springfield are, for most intents and purposes, one town. Lane County Transit District provides reasonable bus service in and between the two towns, and to outlying towns to the north, south, east, and west. Springfield is viewed a bit as the working class cousin of Eugene, the university town, but neither stereotype really holds up. Median house value in Eugene (from Zillow) is $237,300, expected to rise 3.1% within the next year; value for Springfield (from Zillow) is $188,100, rising 3.3% in a year. Median sale prices are $243,302 (Eugene) and $204,465 (Springfield). I can't give you a comparison of school quality, but I am sure you can find some info online. Good restaurants and brew pubs galore in the two towns.
Easy access to the coast and to the mountains. If you miss the 'big city', Portland is only 2 hours away.
Good luck with your job opportunity and your prospective move.
- DG 
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